### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mân**, represented by `{{H4479}}`, is an interrogative and relative pronoun meaning **who** or **what**. It appears 10 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. This word functions to ask questions of identity and authority, and also to make indefinite statements about "whosoever" or "whomsoever."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical Aramaic portions, `{{H4479}}` is used in contexts of authority and sovereignty. It is employed by officials questioning the authority of the returning exiles, asking, "**Who** hath commanded you to build this house?" ([[Ezra 5:3]], [[Ezra 5:9]]). It is also used to ask about identity, as in the question, "**What** are the names of the men that make this building?" [[Ezra 5:4]]. In a challenge to God's power, King Nebuchadnezzar asks rhetorically, "**who** is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" [[Daniel 3:15]]. Conversely, the word is used to declare God's absolute sovereignty, stating that the most High "giveth it [the kingdom of men] to **whomsoever** he will" ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which `{{H4479}}` is used:
* `{{H7990}}` **shallîyṭ** (rule(-r)): This word is used to describe the authority of the most High, who **ruleth** in the kingdom of men and gives it to **whomsoever** He chooses [[Daniel 4:17]].
* `{{H1124}}` **bᵉnâʼ** (to build): This action is the subject of the questions in Ezra, where officials ask **who** commanded the people to **build** the house of God ([[Ezra 5:3]], [[Ezra 5:9]]).
* `{{H5308}}` **nᵉphal** (to fall): This verb is used in Nebuchadnezzar's decree, defining the consequence for "**whoso** falleth not down" to worship the image ([[Daniel 3:6]], [[Daniel 3:11]]).
* `{{H5415}}` **nᵉthan** (give): The act of God's sovereign choice is expressed with this word, as he **giveth** the kingdom to **whomsoever** he will ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological and narrative weight of `{{H4479}}` is significant in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
* **Questioning Authority:** The word is central to conflicts over rightful power. Officials use "**who**" to challenge the Jews' authority to build [[Ezra 5:3]], while Nebuchadnezzar uses it to defy any power higher than his own [[Daniel 3:15]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The indefinite use of "**whomsoever**" is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate control over human affairs. It affirms that God appoints rulers according to his own will, even setting up the "basest of men" to achieve his purposes ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
* **Establishing Law and Judgment:** The term "**whoso**" is used to set the conditions of a royal decree, making clear who is subject to its punishments. This establishes a universal standard of obedience for all people under the king's rule ([[Daniel 3:6]], [[Daniel 3:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4479}}` **mân** is a critical Aramaic term that drives narrative tension by questioning authority, defining the scope of royal decrees, and ultimately affirming the absolute sovereignty of God. Whether used to ask "**who**?" or to declare "**whomsoever**," it consistently points to the central theme of power and who has the ultimate right to wield it.
TRV